Dogs are known as man’s best friend, but unfortunately, not all dogs are the sweet and cuddly pets that we know and love. In fact, dog bites account for about 90% of all animal bites in the United States. There are currently around 70 million dogs living in the US and an estimated 4.5 million dog bite incidents occur each year. In 2013 alone, 31 people died from causes related to a dog bite.

According to Spiros Law, P.C., some of the most common injuries and complications that come from dog bites include severe lacerations and puncture wounds, fractured bones, disfiguring scars, life-threatening infections, severe contusions, and nerve damage. About 27,000 dog bite victims undergo reconstructive surgery each year.

There are a few ways to avoid dog bite incidents. For example, stay away from dogs you don’t know and never leave a young child alone with a dog, whether it is familiar or not. When approaching a dog, it is best to do so slowly and give the dog a chance to approach you. Also, never approach or try to play with a dog that is eating or a female dog that is feeding her puppies. If you find yourself in a situation with an aggressive dog, do not panic or run and scream. The best thing to do here is back away slowly and avoid eye contact with the angry canine.

If you have been bitten by a dog and your injuries are not severe, you may feel like you can treat yourself at home and avoid the emergency room. However, it is always best to seek medical attention after a dog bite, especially if the dog was unfamiliar to you. If the bite is deep, you cannot stop the bleeding, or there are any signs of infection, seek medical help right away.